The Premiership Rumour Mill

The French defender, who cost £4.5million when he moved to White Hart Lane last August, has been linked with an £8million move to Stamford Bridge as Jose Mourinho seeks to improve his defensive options in preparation for a renewed attack on the game's major honours.

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Tottenham are waiting to discover if Chimbonda hands in a transfer request - just as he did on the final day of last season when he stunned Wigan boss Paul Jewell by handing in a written demand to leave the JJB Stadium moments after the final whistle and while still in his kit.

But Chimbonda has made a big difference to Spurs' storming season and will be given short shrift if he thinks he can employ similar tactics with his current employers.

Jol has insisted he has no need to sell his best players and is looking for a handful of significant signings rather than a major influx as he seeks to build on this year's success.

"We are not a selling club and don't have to sell our best players," the Tottenham boss maintained.

Chimbonda has also admitted he would one day like to play for North London rivals Arsenal but that won't happen unless he follows the hugely unpopular path taken by Sol Campbell and sits out his contract before joining the Gunners.

The hate-fuelled campaign against Campbell still continues even though he is now at Portsmouth and former Bastia right-back Chimbonda would face similar furore.

In any case, any move by Chelsea will depend on Jose Mourinho still being in charge at Stamford Bridge after the FA Cup final and his position will be under even greater threat if they lose the Wembley showdown with Manchester United.

Andy Cole is heading back to Portsmouth today after being told Birmingham City cannot afford his wages.

The former Manchester United, Newcastle and Blackburn striker was hoping to stay at St Andrews after their promotion back to the Premiership.

But Blues boss Steve Bruce said: "I would like to make his loan move permanent. But I don't think we can afford him with a year left on his salary at Portsmouth.

"But he's made a big impact at a time when we were wobbling. To come off the bench with not much preparation is amazing - he's done a fantastic job."

Birmingham's first move to building towards life back in the top flight will be to sign Fabrice Muamba from Arsenal for £2m down and a similar amount based on appearances and success.

"We have just got to get the green light off Mr Wenger to say yes, they will sell him," Bruce added. "Fab and his agent are going to see Arsenal some time in the next week.

"We haven't got first refusal but we have got a decent relationship with Arsenal. We keep taking their young lads - and make a few quid out of them!"

Everton boss David Moyes is ready to make his move for Preston striker David Nugent after watching him from the Deepdale stands in the 1-0 win over Birmingham.

Preston have failed to win a place in the play-offs and the England international admitted: "I said I would leave if we weren't promoted and we'll have to wait and see what happens."

Pompey and Sheffield United are both interested in Nugent and North End boss Paul Simpson expects his star player to leave.

"I'd like to keep him here but I'm very real about things. The Premiership is the place to be," he said.

"I would like it settled as soon as possible so I'd know exactly what money we have to strengthen the squad."

Nicolas Anelka could be leaving the Reebok Stadium at the end of the season as Juventus boss Didier Deschamps is willing to pay £9m to take the Bolton forward him to Italy.

And Sunderland are favourites to sign Celtic captain Neil Lennon, who wants to return to the Premiership after maintaining he will not remain at Parkhead when his contract expires next month.

Rumour of the day: Portsmouth are ready to swoop for Newcastle defender Titus Bramble.

No chance: Spurs will not be signing Jiri Jarosik from Celtic.